iicap 1 #1 Posted January 26, 2009 Hey Folks, I'm gonna buy a tachometer for maintenence use on small engines like we all have in our horses and small engine powered equipment. There are types you hold near the plug wire when engine is running (I'm not to hot on this type), photo type with a reflective strip you'd put on a pully or flywheel fan screen ( I like ), or automotive type with inductive pickup on the plug wire, but not sure if this style available for small engines (my preferred type). Like to know what type most of you have/use and maybe why it's your preference? I'd really like to know that my horse with it's single stage snowblower is turning it's max operating RPM at wide open throttle, and be able to set idle speeds and so on. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #2 Posted January 26, 2009 Have you looked into the Tiny Tachs? http://www.tinytach.com/tinytach/gasoline.php Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iicap 1 #3 Posted January 26, 2009 Thanks Nick, just checked it out, but not what I'm looking for. Want a tach to keep in with my tools as if I were a tech in a small engine repair shop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse_of_course 99 #4 Posted January 26, 2009 Here is a fairly complete discussion. http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...64&hl=sirometer It does not cover the reflective type. I have one of those but it takes some really hard to find batteries. The sirometer is a pretty darn good solution and not too expensive. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #5 Posted January 26, 2009 Ok I misunderstood what you wanted. The briggs vibra tach should work. Looks like less than $30. Here is a picture Picture link- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #6 Posted January 26, 2009 And here's a link to the same identical one in a Tecumseh box for at least 1/3 less http://www.manddsmallengine.com/tecumseh/tools/670156.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #7 Posted January 26, 2009 Thats interesting Buzz. I assume they all come from the same place to.. Ive got dads old shaft end tach they used on combines so never bought one myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iicap 1 #8 Posted January 26, 2009 Rolf, Nick, Buzz, thank you all, going to local power equip dealer this AM for a new belt tension spring for the snowblower and will check out tach availability. Richard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iicap 1 #9 Posted February 1, 2009 Hi all. I bought one of these tachs that Briggs and Techumsa offered. have not tried it yet. Just to let you know it is strictly a mechanical device. There is a brass wire with loop on the end and it is attached to a gauge. You hold the body of the tach on the engine and rotate the wire out via rotational control. Looks like the wire is going to vibrate and be a blur to look at. As you rotate it out more, the wire should become smooth and steady as it matches the RPMS the engine is turning. I'll let you know how it works out. My cost was 24.80 for the unit, 1.50 S&H, tax 1.58, total 27.88, bought the Techumsa version. As I write this I wish I had put the money into an Inductive pickup timing light that also gives RPM readings. Richard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites